chef

chef · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A professional cook, especially the head cook in a restaurant or hotel.

  2. 2.

    Any skilled cook.

Forms

plural: chefs

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    head chef — the chief cook who manages a kitchen
  • •
    executive chef — a chef who oversees multiple kitchens or a large operation
  • •
    sous chef — the second-in-command in a kitchen
  • •
    chef's special — a dish specially created or recommended by the chef
  • •
    chef's kiss — a gesture indicating something is perfect

Related words

See also: chefs, cook, kitchen, restaurant
Synonyms: cook, culinarian, culinary artist

Etymology

From French chef, short for chef de cuisine ("head of the kitchen"). The French word chef means "chief" or "head," from Latin caput ("head").